It feels impossible to know where to begin with a journey like this. I’ve dreamed of visiting India for nearly 20 years, and to finally experience it, at such an elevated level, was truly a dream come true. I still find myself pinching myself:
Did I really stay in a room with a direct view of the Taj Mahal?
Was I really asked for photos like a celebrity simply because of my height and blonde hair?
Did I really ride a rickshaw through the crowded streets of Old Delhi, surrounded by the most mesmerizing chaos?
And through it all, I stayed in some of India’s finest hotels, where service redefined hospitality in ways I’ve never experienced before.
From the very first moment, India made me feel welcome. (and yes, this was my very first moment – shortly after arriving in my room at The Imperial in Delhi after 21+ hours of travel door to door)
Marigold garland around my neck.
Tilak between my eyes.
Blessings being bestowed upon me.
And small tokens of hospitality greeted us everywhere we went – many of us purchased extra baggage to get it all home!
While it might sound like a show, it never felt that way. The warmth is genuine. I quickly realized how connected I felt to this culture I had long dreamed about.
It feels like fate that my first visit to India was with Distinct Destinations. I know without a doubt that this is the partner Explore More Travel Co. will always trust with our clients in India. Our host, Parvinder, made sure we didn’t just experience luxury – we experienced India. Distinct Destinations supports women-owned businesses, empowers local communities, and creates opportunities that go beyond tourism. Watching the way hotels and guides respected his team was so reassuring, and it made me certain that my clients will always be in the best hands.
New Delhi
At the start of our journey, we checked into The Imperial, New Delhi, a landmark property dating back to 1936. This historic hotel is often referred to as a “museum hotel” for its art, antiques, and colonial charm. It feels like stepping back into a bygone era. I stayed in an Imperial Room which was spacious, elegant, and filled with thoughtful touches that made me want to linger and take it all in.
Delhi was where I felt the first rush of India’s energy. A rickshaw ride through Old Delhi showed me the pulse of the city – chaotic yet strangely harmonious, where you can suddenly find yourself on a quiet street with an ornate doorway or on a busy street gazing at someone having a moment to himself …
Here is a quick video of our richsaw ride!
We visited Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib, a Sikh temple that left a deep impression. We were required to cover our heads as a sign of respect for their holy scripture which provided a very stylish photo opp …
Sikhism emphasizes service above all, and we witnessed that in action through the temple’s community kitchen, where volunteers prepare meals daily for anyone, regardless of faith. Knowing that Parvinder himself is Sikh gave us an even deeper connection to the experience.
After lunch and a site tour with the sales team at the Oberoi Hotel in Delhi, we ventured out to Humayun’s Tomb. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a stunning example of Mughal architecture, blending Persian and Indian styles. Built in the 16th century, its grand domes, intricate red sandstone and marble inlay, and serene gardens make it a masterpiece of symmetry and design.
That evening, we dined at the hotel’s renowned Spice Route restaurant, an experience that was memorable in its own right thanks to its intricately hand-painted interiors and exceptional cuisine. What made it even more special was being seated next to the owner of Distinct Destinations. It was the perfect opportunity to hear firsthand about the company’s vision, values, and deep connections across India. Sharing that time together over dinner allowed me to truly understand the heart of this partnership and gave me confidence that Explore More Travel Co. clients will always be in the best hands when traveling to India.
Leaving Delhi, we boarded a train bound for Agra. Riding an Indian train had always been on my “movie moment” list, and while our first-class car was far more comfortable than dramatic, it still felt like stepping into a story. Watch this quick video of our train experience.
Agra
Our arrival in Agra was full of movement and color – cows wandering the streets, children waving from bus windows, and traffic weaving its own choreography around sacred animals taking naps in the road. Cows are holy in India, and they truly go where they please!
We explored the Red Fort, where I was fascinated to learn about the Mughal rulers, who were Muslim yet initially very accepting of other religions – perhaps one reason India remains predominantly Hindu today. You can even see this acceptance in the architecture – for example, the last photo below incorporates crosses, lotus flowers, and arches.
From there, we checked into The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, the closest hotel to the Taj Mahal and the only one where every room has a view like this one …
And the beauty does not stop with the views …
or the rooms …
No matter where you are located at The Oberoi Amarvilas Agra, you are surrounded by beauty. Our greeting here was one of my favorites and luckily, it was caught on video – watch here.
That afternoon we continued exploring, from the intricate “Baby Taj” (Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah) where I made some new friends …
… to a quiet viewpoint across the river that gave us another perspective of the monument I had waited so long to see. After dinner (and a naan the size of a tablecloth), we went to bed early to prepare for sunrise at the Taj Mahal.
Taj Mahal
The next morning, I woke up extra early to get dressed in my new saree for our sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. This required one of the hotel staff arriving at my room before 5 am to ensure my saree was properly secured.
It was pouring rain when we arrived, so my dream photo shoot wasn’t meant to be and despite the extra effort to look the part, I ended up looking very wet! To get an idea of how hard it was raining, take a peek at this video.
But the rain washed away the crowds, leaving the grounds nearly empty. Puddles mirrored the marble domes, and the whole scene felt even more magical than I imagined. Sometimes travel surprises you, and the unexpected ends up being better than the plan.
Back at Amarvilas, we enjoyed breakfast, a quick dip in the gorgeous pool, and one last glimpse of the Taj before departing for Jaipur… where the adventure would continue.
Delhi and Agra were just the beginning of this unforgettable journey through India. Next week, I’ll be sharing all about Jaipur where I truly fell in love with India.
If India has been on your list (or even just a dream in the back of your mind), now is the time to start planning. With the right partners and guidance, it’s a destination that will surprise and inspire you at every turn.
